Classes in Khmer literacy have been offered by many organizations since the early days of the community. The Sunday Khmer literacy class at Wat Khemara Buddhikaram was taught by Ms. Kiry Tham. (Photo circa 1990).
Venerable Dr. Kong Chhean teaching a Khmer language class to a group of young adults in 2001. Most members of the class were also members of C-HOPE, Cambodian Humanitarian Organization for Peace on Earth. Pictured from left to right are Socheata Has, Domnang Meas, Ponchivy Tan, Venerable Kong Chhean, Pok Khem, Sith Nip, Sompia Paigne, Kaneka Chim, and Oun Chhim.
In this photo, Cambodian youth members from Khmer Girls in Action gather in the Long Beach civic center to rally against California Proposition 227, which banned bilingual education in public schools. The proposition passed in 1998 but was later repealed by Proposition 58 in June 2016.
A Cambodian high school student and member of the grassroots organization, Khmer Girls in Action, presents data on the impact of violence and gender inequality on youth in Long Beach schools. The forum was held at the Khemara Buddhikaram Buddhist Temple in 2000. Panelists included representatives from high schools, the Long Beach School Board and the leadership of the Long Beach Unified School District.
In 2000, Khmer Girls in Action (KGA), a grassroots organization, organized School Safety Forums to address issues of violence, gender equality, and social justice in Long Beach schools. In this photo, a KGA member addresses a large group of high school aged youth. Seated in front of the audience are panelists representing the Long Beach School Board and the leadership of the Long Beach Unified School District. The forum was held at The Khemara Buddhikaram Buddhist Temple also known as Wat Willow.
